What to Expect
A gastroscopy is a procedure where the doctor can look at your oesophagus, stomach and the top part of your small intestine. It’s also called an upper endoscopy or stomach endoscopy. At Cutting Edge Surgery Toowoomba, patients have this procedure to investigate symptoms related to their digestive system such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or recurring abdominal pain.
What Happens During the Procedure
You’ll be asked to fast beforehand so your stomach is empty. This gives the best view during the gastroscopy. After you sign the consent forms, your doctor will guide you through the process. Tell your medical team about any medications or medical conditions you have, including any allergies.
A thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera at the end called a gastroscope is inserted. The camera allows your doctor to see inside your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. A local anaesthetic or throat spray is applied to numb your throat and you may be given sedation to help you relax. For most patients this means no discomfort and a relaxed state during the examination.
You’ll lie on your left side and the tube will be gently passed through your mouth, down your food pipe and into your stomach. You may feel some pressure but generally won’t feel pain. In some cases tissue samples may be taken for further testing. This is a routine part of the process especially if your doctor wants to look at the stomach or bowel wall in more detail.
Common Reasons for Gastroscopy
Patients At Cutting Edge Surgery Toowoomba have this procedure when they have persistent symptoms that don’t respond to other treatments. Common reasons include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent heartburn
- Vomiting blood or black-coloured stools
- Feeling full after eating small amounts
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring nausea or vomiting
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms a gastroscopy can help find the cause and guide treatment.
After the Procedure
After the gastroscopy you may feel a bit tired for a few hours. Some people report a sore throat but this usually settles quickly. Your medical team will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure but generally you should not drive, drink alcohol or operate machinery for at least 24 hours.
You’ll spend some time in the recovery area while the sedation wears off. Once you’re fully awake your doctor will explain the results of the gastroscopy and any treatment or follow up required such as a repeat gastroscopy or further tests.
Risks and Complications
Gastroscopy is a very safe procedure but like any medical procedure there are risks. Serious complications are rare but you should be aware of them. These may include a chest infection, bleeding from the site where tissue samples were taken or a reaction to the sedation.
Let your doctor know if you have loose or false teeth as these can be affected during the procedure. In rare cases the procedure may cause a tear in the food pipe or bowel wall which would require further treatment.
Preparing for the Gastroscopy
To make sure your gastroscopy goes well you’ll need to prepare by following these simple instructions. You’ll be asked to stop eating and drinking several hours before the procedure. This is important to make sure your stomach is empty. You’ll also need to review your medications with your doctor. In some cases you may need to stop taking certain medications for a few days especially if you’re on blood thinners.
Recovery and Aftercare
Once you’ve completed the gastroscopy you’ll need to rest for a short time as the sedation wears off. During this time you may feel bloated or a bit nauseous from the air that was introduced into your stomach during the procedure. This is normal and will settle within a few hours. It’s a good idea to have someone drive you home as you’ll still be feeling the effects of the sedation for a few hours.
Your doctor will go over the results with you before you leave the hospital, explaining any findings and what’s next. If tissue samples were taken the results will take a few days to come back. If you experience any unusual symptoms after the procedure such as difficulty breathing or vomiting blood please follow up with your doctor.
When to Call a Doctor
While complications are rare you should call a doctor if you experience any of the following after your gastroscopy:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or signs of a chest infection
These are signs of a more serious complication and you should get medical help ASAP.
Who needs a Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing conditions affecting the upper part of the digestive system. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or persistent heartburn your doctor may recommend this procedure. It’s also used to investigate symptoms like vomiting blood or a history of upper gastrointestinal problems.
Patients with certain conditions may need to have gastroscopies done regularly to monitor their condition such as those with Barrett’s oesophagus or a history of stomach ulcers. In these cases the procedure helps to detect any changes in the stomach or bowel wall early so treatment can be done promptly.
Trust with Us
At Cutting Edge Surgery Toowoomba we take great care to make sure each gastroscopy is done with the utmost expertise. Our team of medical professionals have years of experience in upper gastrointestinal procedures so you’re in good hands.